What is a WordPress theme?

a collection of files that work together to produce a graphical interface with an underlying unifying design for a weblog. These files are called template files. A Theme modifies the way the site is displayed, without modifying the underlying software.

Basically, the theme controls the look, feel, and sometimes the functionality of your site.

WordPress has grown to the point where there are now themes for just about everything, from a standard blog to an online shop. There even are themes that let you build your own social network.

How to select a WordPress theme

Selecting a WordPress theme can be tricky.

That is especially true for anyone new to WordPress/

Some things to check when selecting a WordPress theme include:

Does the theme meet your needs?

Obviously, you need to select a theme that will be able to do everything you want it to.

Some people think that all the themes have the same functionality, but that isn’t true.

It also isn’t that easy to just add some advanced functionality to a theme.

I would suggest picking something that will work for you “out of the box.”

Don’t buy a theme thinking you can easily add a functionality that isn’t there. At least not unless you plan to spend a lot to hire someone or if you know how to do it yourself.

Things you might need includes ecommerce capability, a contact form, a slider, animations, various post formats, the ability to add stuff to the header like contact info and social icons, widgets in the sidebar or footer, and a ton more.

Does the theme use a page builder?

A lot of themes, particularly multipurpose themes, are now using page builders.

Visual Composer is the most popular of these, and it is pretty easy to use.

The page builder allows you to make really advanced layouts and add special features without having to code it all yourself.